Thursday, August 25, 2011

Self CPR is a coughing procedure that has been widely publicized on the Internet since 1999 and was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1976. Since it is widely publicized, it needs to be mentioned by well-known CPR authorities - see the American Heart Association's stance and the American Red Cross's stance on this topic. Both of them acknowledge that self CPR is possible, but limited to clinical situations.

The thought is that forceful coughing puts pressure on the heart, forcing it to pump blood. This may work for a few seconds while an abnormal heart rhythm passes, but only on a conscious, responsive person in specific situations. This topic is not taught in CPR classes for the simple reason that CPR intervention is based on a victim's unresponsiveness and coughing CPR would just be additional data to remember with virtually no application in the field.
This may change as more is learned over the years, but for now the best thing a person can do when he begins to experience cardiac arrest or heart attack is to call 9-1-1. If there are any people around, get their attention so they know you need help too.

On a serious note....well sort of serious PRECORDIAL THUMP is still recommended by the American Heart Association for Witnessed Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia when there is not a defibrillator immediately available (keep in mind it may take forever...like a whole 15 seconds to charge!)

What does this mean??? Go out there and practice your ninja skills!!!!